A God-Centered Life in a Material World

A God-Centered Life in a Material World
Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12

I. The Problems of a Material Focus, 5:8-17
A. Oppression, 8-9
B. No Lasting Satisfaction, 10
C. Increased Maintenance, 11
D. Anxiety, 12
E. False Security, 13

1. In Life, 14
2. In Death, 15-16
   Ecclesiastes 12:7
   F. Torment, 17
   1 Timothy 6:10

II. The Blessings of a God-Centered Focus,
5:18-20
A. Enjoyment, 18
Ecclesiastes 2:24
B. Thankfulness, 19
C. Peace, 20

III. The Need for Faith, 6:1-12
A. Enjoyment, 1-6
Job 1:20-21
B. Satisfaction, 7-9
C. Security, 10-12

Implications

1. A God-centered focus is the only way to avoid
   the avoidable problems of materialism and
   maintain hope while enduring the unavoidable
   problems of living in a fallen material world.
2. A God-centered focus leads to spiritual
   blessings.
   John 15:10-11
   John 14:27
   Luke 23:46
3. A God-centered focus calls us to live by faith
   and not by sight.
   Matthew 6:33
   Mark 10:21-22